Sports cart

ABSTRACT

A sports cart with a folding tubular frame, a central steering column, a pair of real wheels, a centrally located front wheel, a lower basket member, a secondary holding rack, a handlebar assembly, a front wheel fork assembly, a brake member, a steering column to handlebar assembly folding and locking joint and a steering column telescoping member. The secondary holding rack forms a portion of the folding frame and includes centrally located upper and lower tubes that rotatably retain the central steering column. The lower basket member is attached to the lower portion of the horizontally folding frame. The secondary holding rack includes a folding lower support portion. The front wheel, front wheel fork and the rear wheels are easily detachable and capable of fitting within the lower basket member. A preferred embodiment includes a standard braking assembly engaging the front wheel.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of prior filed provisional applicationNo. 61/850,831 titled Sports Cart by same inventor, Kayiah Donivan,filed on Feb. 25, 2013.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTDescription of Attached Appendix

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of wheeled carts and morespecifically to a cart that facilitates sports activities such asjogging or skating.

Rolling, hand pushed carts for the transport of items is well known.Carts may be two wheeled, three wheeled or four wheeled.

Light weight folding carts have been and continue to be used for thetransport of items such as groceries or other items purchased at localretail establishments, or for transporting sports equipment. These cartsfulfill an important need in that they allow people to transport itemsfrom one location to another without needing to use motorized vehiclesthereby saving fuel costs and providing valuable exercise for the user.However, there is a deficiency in the prior technology because existingcarts are not designed to be easily used by a person who wants to jog orwalk quickly while pushing the cart. Additionally, most current cartshave small wheels which make them impractical for traversing dirt trailsor uneven road surfaces. Also, most traditional carts do not have easilyremovable and replaceable wheels for compact storage or shipping. Threewheeled jogging strollers exist in the marketplace but are not steerableby a central rotatable steering column. W. Ayre's patent application2006/0255564, now abandoned, discloses a steerable cart, but the foldingmechanism is vertical in nature and wheels are not easily detachable forcompact storage. Additionally, the application shows the invention usedas a baby stroller but does not clearly define its use as a cart fortransporting other items. Finally, no carts currently found include asecondary storage rack that supplements the primary cargo holdingbasket.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a mobile cargo devicethat also facilitates exercise activities.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mobile cargo device thatcan fold into a compact form for storage or shipping.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mobile cargo device thathas direct steering capability and easy to maneuver.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mobile cargo devicethat includes a primary carrying basket and a secondary carrying rackthat can hold substantial cargo.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a mobile cargo devicethat is adjustable for people of different heights and jogging stridelengths.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mobile cargo device thattraverses dirt trails, rough roads and sidewalks.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, anembodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there isdisclosed a sports cart comprising: a horizontally folding tubularframe, a central steering column, a pair of real Meals, a centrallylocated front wheel, a lower basket member, a secondary holding rack, ahandlebar assembly, a front wheel fork assembly, a brake member, asteering column to handlebar assembly folding and locking joint, asteering column telescoping member, said secondary holding rack forminga portion of said horizontally folding frame and including centrallylocated upper and lower tubes rotatably retaining said central steeringcolumn, said lower basket member attached to the lower portion of saidhorizontally folding frame, said secondary holding rack including afolding lower support portion, and said front wheel, front wheel forkand said rear wheels easily detachable and capable of fitting withinsaid lower basket member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects ofthe invention may be show exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention in the use position.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the frame of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the frame of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of a rear wheel and aide of thepresent invention

FIG. 5 is a side view of the folded version of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the frame of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the frame of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the steering and handlebarassembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein.It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may beembodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed hereinare not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for theclaims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the artto employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailedsystem, structure or manner.

Referring now to FIG. 1 we see a perspective view of the sports cart ofthe present invention 100 in the open position. The cart includes threewheels, two in the rear 20, 22 and one in the front 30. The front wheel30 is steerable because central column 18 is rotatable within supporttubes 70, 72. A basket-like holding area 24 can carry various items suchas three standard bags of groceries, or sporting equipment. In thepresent embodiment, the basket is make of sewn fabric and held onto thecart frame by hook and loop fasteners straps 26, 28 so that the basketcan be removed and for cleaning purposes. A secondary holding rack isformed by support members 14, 15 and bottom foldable rack 16. A personcan lay items on the secondary holding rack and strap them in place bybungee cords, or standard flexible straps. The steering column 10 canfold at joint 10. When the user pushes in on button 11, the jointdisengages, and when the user releases button 11, the joint re-engagesat whatever angle the user has set it. This enables the user to set theheight of the handlebars 2 to match the ideal arm location of the user.The user can fold the handle assembly 8, 12, 2 entirely for compactstorage as will be show in FIG. 5. The user also has the option ofsliding handlebar tube 12, in or out as show in FIG. 8. The user canalso adjust the height of steering column 82 by sliding it in or out oftube 80 and locking the length by standard means such as spring pin intohole method. Both adjustment means mention above combine to create moreor less distance between the handlebars 2 and the rest of the cart. Whena person wishes to jog while pushing items in the cart, he or she canpull the handlebars out by releasing locking member 4 and then lock themagain, and or pull out steering column 82, so that when jogging, theuser's feet will not strike the rear axle of the cart. Rear wheels 20,22 are quickly removable by pressing on axle release button 42 and asimilar button for wheel 20. Front wheel holding assembly 32 is alsoremovable from the central steering column at point 35 so that all thewheels 20, 22, 30 can be removed and stored in the basket area 24. Theframe of the sports cart 100 folds in a horizontal manner via hingemembers 38, 40, 52, 53, 80 and 81. Hinge members 52 and 53 are normallylocked but can be temporarily unlocked by stepping on lever 36 locatedon the rear axle 50.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention 100 without the basket 24for clarity purposes. Lower support frame members 46, 48 can be seen inthis view. Upper support frame members 53, 56 lead from the rear axle 50to the lockable folding members 52, 54. Hinge pins 94, 96 are clearlyshown Which allow bottom rack member 16 to fold up when not being used.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the rear wheel 22 which showsaxle 56 having a spring biased pin 58 that engages with the hollow 90rear axle 50 as show in the storage view in FIG. 6. The user can quicklydisengage the wheel axle 56 by pressing on the central hub 42 of therear wheel 22. The wheels 22, 24 can be quickly returned to axle 50 byplugging them into axle sockets 90.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the invention 100 in the folded position. Pivotpoints 80, 81, 52, 54 38, 40 can be seen performing their job ofcompressing the entire assembly into a compact mass capable of beingstored in a relatively small space. Wheels 20, 22, and front wheelassembly 30, 32, 34 are stored inside basket portion 24.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the invention clearly showing front brakes 37,39. Spur gears 62, 63 are attached to wheels 20, 22. A pawl that mateswith gears 62, 63 can be engaged by the user to lock the rear wheels 20,22 when the cart 100 is not in use and needs to remain stationary whileon a slanted surface. Similar locking mechanisms are commonly found onbaby strollers.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the invention minus the lower basket. Lockinglever 4 can be released to pull out or push in handlebar tube 12 therebyadjusting the distance that the handlebars 2 are from the rear wheelaxle 50.

The present invention 100 provides the following advantages over otheravailable carts:

-   -   Mobile utility and cargo device for both genders and ages 13 and        up    -   Promotes outdoor exercise activities combined with practical        obligations    -   Assists inline skaters, joggers, pedestrians, and the        handicapped.    -   Provides easy manual transport of cargo incorporated into a fun        and sporty design    -   Alternates as a training and safety device for inline skaters        utilizing hand brakes, support, and steering    -   Incorporates ergonomic and orthopedic structural and adjustable        feature    -   Able to traverse rough road terrains and dirt trails, as well as        sidewalks.    -   Has front wheel brakes and locking mechanism for added security    -   Optional accessories available to enhance and expand its usage    -   Collapsible and lightweight for easy transport    -   Pedestrian model folds into backpack for easy carrying,        extremely lightweight    -   Adaptable to future environments and lifestyles

The preferred embodiment of the present invention 100 provides thefollowing features:

-   -   Safe and high performance cargo carrying shopping cart device    -   Sturdy, lightweight, and collapsible    -   Carries up to 75 LBS in cargo weight    -   Able to traverse rough road terrains and navigate sidewalks    -   Secure braking system with locking brakes for stationary        situations    -   Engineered to support forward center of gravity and prevent        backward tipping    -   Easy steering and maneuverability    -   Performs as a jogger's utility device for transport of cargo    -   Performs as an inline skater's training and safety device    -   Sized to fit through doors and share sidewalks (like strollers        and baby joggers)    -   Ergonomic handles with secure and padded grips    -   Adjustable height and tilt of handle bars, supporting various        body weights and sizes    -   Larger wheels for easy maneuvering of curbs and road        irregularities    -   Optional skateboard attachment for coasting and/or attachment        for skate boards    -   Capable of carrying various cargo and essentials, at least 3        grocery bags    -   Has custom basket insert to transport small pets safely    -   Sleek sporty design with various fun color options    -   Assorted accessories available: such as water bottle holder,        Ipod and cell phone holders; anti-theft mist strap and cable;        locking storage container; variable cargo containers/baskets;        headlight, reflectors, and bell or horn; security locking device        (such as bike lock cables)    -   Green Product: supports the reduction in driving and gasoline        usage    -   Health Product: promotes exercise    -   Additional variations of the present invention include:    -   Adding an optional hub motor attachment to rear wheels with        battery storage capacity in cargo area for assistance with heavy        weight and steep slopes.

A smaller version of the invention 100 can include:

-   -   Modified frame to reduce overall size    -   Smaller wheels, no brakes    -   Smaller cargo area    -   No secondary support rack    -   Folds into backpack for easy carrying, extremely light weight.

Another modified version performs as a walker, but looks like a sportscart and is:

-   -   Engineered to support upright posture    -   Stable and sturdy enough to support weight bearing load as an        assisted walker    -   Dual performance as a walking assisted utility device for        transport of cargo    -   capable of including a fold-down seat attachment

While the invention has been described in connection with a preferredembodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended tocover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports cart comprising: a rigid, hinged tubularfolding frame, comprising: a central steering column, a pair of supportmembers rigidly connected to the central steering column, and extendingto both sides of the central column, a bottom foldable rack, a pair oflower support frame members, a pair of upper support frame members, afront fork assembly, and a handlebar assembly; a pair of rear wheels; acentrally located front wheel; a lower basket member; a brake member; alever; a folding and locking joint connecting the steering column to thehandlebar assembly; a telescoping member within the steering column; apair of lockable folding members enabling the folding of the uppersupport frame members; hinge members pivotally connecting: the pair ofsupport members to the lower support frame members, the pair of lowersupport frame member to the upper support frame members, and the uppersupport frame members to the pair of support members, wherein activationof the lever enables the frame to collapse to the ground in asubstantially horizontal format; said lower basket member being attachedto the lower support frame members; a pair of hinge pins pivotallyconnecting the bottom foldable rack to the pair of support members; andwherein said front wheel, front wheel fork, and said rear wheels detachfrom the frame and are capable of fitting within said lower basketmember.
 2. A sports cart as claimed in claim 1 further comprising abicycle braking assembly engaging said front wheel.
 3. A sports cart asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said rear wheels can be temporarily lockedwhen not in use.
 4. A sports cart as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidsteering column is telescoping.
 5. A sports cart as claimed in claim 1wherein said handle assembly's folding locking joint can be adjusted inheight and angle by the user.
 6. A sports cart as claimed in claim 1comprising said handlebars that directly influence said front wheelmotion that directly influences navigation, thus enabling control whenused with jogging or rollerblading.
 7. A sports cart as claimed in claim1 with said lower basket member structured to contain up to 3 grocerybags.